Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari in Uganda
Wild Kingdoms of Uganda
This seven-day safari takes you through three of Uganda’s most spectacular national parks. From the chimpanzee-rich jungles of Kibale to the plains of Queen Elizabeth, and the mountain slopes of Bwindi – home to the endangered gorillas – you’ll witness a stunning range of landscapes and animals. Every day brings a new perspective on Uganda’s wild heart.
The journey begins in the lush heart of western Uganda, past crater lakes and ancient cultural landmarks, before entering Kibale Forest, home to lively chimpanzee families and a symphony of bird calls. You’ll wander through pathways of Bigodi’s wetland, where wildlife and community conservation thrive side by side.
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From Rainforest Canopies to Misty Highlands
The road continues south, across the golden savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park where lions patrol the grasslands and elephants wade into the Kazinga Channe. From there, you move on into the wild beauty of the Ishasha Sector, where the rare phenomenon of tree-climbing lions rest in the branches of acacia trees.
Finally, you reach the misty hills of Bwindi. Steep forest trails lead to one of the rarest encounters in the world – face to face with a family of mountain gorillas. Every step of this adventure brings new sights, new stories, and a deeper connection to one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions.
If you are curious about safaris in other destinations, we highly recommend you check out our best-seller Big Five Safari in Tanzania, or why pick one destination when you can hit two birds with one stone with our Classic Kenya and Tanzania Safari? Reach out to us to tailor a seamless, customized travel plan just for you!
Best Time to Go
Dry Season (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb): Best for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, wildlife viewing
Wet Season (Mar–May, Oct–Nov): Fewer visitors, lush scenery, great birdlife
Popular Attractions
Kibale Forest NP, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Queen Elizabeth NP, Kazinga Channel, Ishasha Sector, Bwindi Forest, Fort Portal
Weather
Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb: 20–28 °C, dry & sunny | Mar–May, Oct–Nov: 22–30 °C, warm with rain
Highlights
Track wild chimpanzees deep in Kibale Forest
See tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector
Cruise the Kazinga Channel among hippos and elephants
Share a powerful momoent with gorillas in Bwindi
Spot turacos and monkeys in Bigodi Wetland trails
Why Book with Us
Customize Your Trip
Tailor every inch of your journey to suit your preferences, from destinations to accommodations, ensuring a personalized dream-come-true travel experience.
Best Price Guarantee
Competitive pricing with the assurance that you are receiving the best value for your travel investment. We match or beat any verified quote.
Flight Booking Assistance
Our agents simplify your travel planning by finding the best domestic and international flights for your travel plan, taking the hassle out of booking.
Multilingual Guides
Enjoy authentic experiences with guides who speak English, French, Spanish and German – ensuring clear communication and enriched explorations.
Certified Travelife Partner
We are a Certified Travelife Partner and GSTC Partner. Travel with a clear conscience knowing that you're choosing a responsible agency, committed to sustainable and ethical tourism practices.
Travel Guarantee
Travel Guarantee with Swedish Kammarkollegiet provides financial protection for your trip.
Travel Plan
Day-to-Day Program – 7 Days
Journey to Kibale National Park
After meeting your guide, you’ll set off toward Fort Portal via the Mityana–Mubende route. Along the way, stop to see the ancient Nakayima tree – steeped in legend and cultural history. After lunch en route, arrive at Kibale Forest in the afternoon and check into your lodge.
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax or visit a nearby crater lake for a scenic walk.
🍽 Meals: Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Turaco Treetops or Similar
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Begin the day with breakfast before heading to the Kibale Forest – one of the best places in Africa to see chimpanzees in the wild. Listen for calls and watch the treetops as you track these intelligent, social primates.
In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a lush community-run reserve near the forest. It’s home to more than 200 species including the great blue turaco, hornbills, kingfishers, and papyrus gonolek. You may also spot red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, bushbucks, and other wetland animals.
Bigodi is not only a wildlife haven – it also supports local livelihoods through sustainable ecotourism.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Turaco Treetops or Similar
Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel Cruise
After breakfast, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains along the way. As you enter the park, keep your eyes open—elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and even big cats can often be seen near the road.
After lunch, head to the Kazingа Channel for a boat cruise. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is known for its high concentration of hippos and crocodiles. You’ll also see elephants, buffaloes, and countless waterbirds gathering along the shores.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or Similar
Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the day early with a game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. This region is rich in wildlife and offers the chance to see lions, elephants, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, Uganda kob, and more. Birdlife is also abundant, making it a rewarding experience for photographers and nature lovers alike.
You’ll return to the lodge later in the day and have the afternoon free to rest, enjoy the view, or prepare for the journey to Bwindi.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or Similar
Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi Forest
After an early breakfast, set off toward Bwindi through the Ishasha Sector in southern Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is known for its rare tree-climbing lions, often spotted resting in fig or acacia trees. The open savannah and scattered candelabra trees provide a striking backdrop for wildlife sightings.
After passing through Ishasha, continue toward the highlands of Bwindi—where mist-shrouded hills hide one of the world’s most extraordinary primate species.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge or Similar
Day 6
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on a guided hike through the Bwindi Forest, with steep trails, thick vegetation, and fresh signs of the gorillas leading the way. When you find them, you’ll spend an hour quietly observing the family—watching their behavior, their interactions, and the gentle power of the silverback.
It’s a humbling and unforgettable moment that connects you to one of the world’s most endangered species in a way few experiences can match.
After the trek, enjoy your packed lunch in the forest. If time allows, you can explore the surrounding community or take a nature walk around the lodge.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge or Similar
Day 7
Return to Entebbe
After an early breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Entebbe International Airport for your departure. Depending on your flight time, lunch or additional stops can be arranged along the way.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
🏨 Accommodation: None (end of safari)
Why Pick This Travel Plan
Three top national parks in one seamless trip
Mix of primates, boat safaris, and game drives
Supports local communities and conservation directly
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A Meaningful Way to Explore Uganda
This adventure is carefully crafted around respect for the land, the wildlife, and the people who call these regions home. By going on this adventure, you’re choosing more than smooth logistics and trusted guides. You’re choosing a partner that prioritizes purpose.
We work with local lodges and community-based initiatives like Bigodi Wetland, where tourism helps protect habitats and supports local livelihoods. Every gorilla and chimpanzee permit contributes directly to long-term conservation.
From start to finish, this journey is designed to leave a positive mark – on you, and on the places you visit. It’s responsible, real, and rooted in care for Uganda’s future.
Included in the Price
- Gorilla Permits
- Chimpanzee permit
- Bigodi nature walks
- Park entrance fees
- Accommodation & meals
- Full-time English-speaking guide
- Ground Transport
- Travel Guarantee with the Swedish Kammarkollegiet »
Price Does Not Cover *
- International Airfares to and from Uganda
- Entry visas
- International Travel Insurance
- All personal expenditures such as tips, telephone calls
- Any additional/extra tours or park fees
- Soft & alcoholic Drinks
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Extras at hotels (telephone calls, room service, porterage, laundry, alcoholic drinks, etc.)
- Personal and/or medical expenses
- Gratuities to your guide, hotel staff, and porters – Find guidelines in our Help Center
* Rest assured, we’re here to assist with anything not covered in the price. Your convenience is our priority.
Don’t Miss Our Group Deals
Accommodation
Turaco Treetops
Mweya Safari Lodge
Four Gorillas Lodge
Mweya Safari Lodge
One of the best locations in Queen Elizabeth National Park, with sweeping views of the Kazinga Channel and backed by the Rwenzori Mountains.
Rooms, tents, and cottages all offer beautiful views, with options ranging from fan-cooled to fully air-conditioned. The lodge also serves a mix of continental, Indian, and international cuisine. Mweya combines scenic beauty, comfort, and adventure in one of Uganda’s most iconic settings.
Turaco Treetops
Next to Kibale National Park – this lodge is perfect for chimpanzee tracking and offers comfort with eco-conscious values, including solar power, forest restoration, and plastic-free operations.
Enjoy forest-view cottages, a pool set in lush gardens, and inviting common areas with panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains. It’s family-friendly with a kids’ playground, indoor playroom, and shallow pool area. A portion of every stay supports a local conservation foundation protecting nearby wildlife habitats.
Four Gorillas Lodge
A stylish forest-edge with unbeatable location, just 10 minutes from the Bwindi gorilla tracking center in the Rushaga sector. Surrounded by dense jungle and mountain views, this peaceful hideaway blends comfort with raw nature.
Private cottages feature design, cozy interiors, and forest views. Enjoy fresh, chef-prepared meals and optional outdoor dining, along with friendly service, fast Wi-Fi and private bathrooms.
Request a Free Quote
- Best price guarantee
- Without any obligation to book
- Your request will be sent directly to the operator
- Travel guarantee with Swedish Kammarkollegiet